12/03/2024
Fire Sprinkler Throwback
For our Sprinkler Buffs out there! Heard of an On/Off Sprinkler head?
On/Off Sprinkler heads are obsolete in today's world but what an interesting concept! These types of Sprinkler Heads worked with Snap Discs that expanded when a temperature hit a certain point. Once the temp got hot hot hot a valve would open relieve a constant pressure affecting the systems overall water pressure. A ball valve moves, and helps open the piston assembly for disc discharge (essentially discharging the Sprinkler altogether).
It gets its name from the fact that after a the system is discharged if the temperature in the space a head is present gets back down to 100-degrees F the Sprinkler Head will close again shutting off water distribution to the head. If the fire were to start again or reach the required temperature for discharge the process will start again.
Put plainly: when a fire starts a disc pops out of place, allowing for the sprinkler head to discharge and extinguish the fire, once it is extinguished or the temp gets low enough the disc pops back into place turning the sprinkler head "off".
